When it comes to video games one of the most popular genres is the First Person Shooter (FPS). The major series in this genre are Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Halo. However if Rainbow Six Siege is as good as the beta makes me think it will be, this game can definitely rival these genre staples.

Rainbow Six Siege has some of the most tense multiplayer moments. The game is focused on realism so a player can be killed very quickly if they are not careful. The multiplayer game modes were 5 against 5 with one team as attackers and the other defending. Each side plays differently with the attacking side being more active and searching for the terrorists and the defending side attempting to either kill all the enemies or beat the clock. These rounds go very quickly due to the fast deaths and no respawns.

The gameplay is great. It all was very smooth and comfortable. I had little issues with the control mapping (There are separate buttons for crouching and prone which may throw some players off). There are a multitude of ways to navigate the map and destroy it. You can choose to rappel up to the roof and go inside Mission Impossible style, or you can simply place a breach charge on a destructible surface and blow it up. There is no hand holding in this game and that makes winning feel even better. The game looks great as well and runs very smoothly for a Beta. The destruction is very well done and rivals the Battlefield games because Siege uses it in a more tactical way, making it necessary and not just a side option you can do for fun.

The multiplayer system has you unlock an operator for either attacking or defending. Before each round, based on what your goal is, you will select an appropriate operator. There are specified operators for each side and if one teammate picks the operator you have, you have to play a different one. Each operator comes with their own set of weapons to choose from and gadgets to use. You unlock operators and weapon modifications with Renown you earn after multiplayer matches and Terrorist Hunts. It is a little confusing but players will easily be able to understand how the system works. Right now the games menu is a little wonky on PC but that will most likely be corrected before release.

In the multiplayer modes available the attacking team begins by using small drones to search the location while the defending team fortified. After the setup the attackers are then allowed to move in to the location and attempt to diffuse the bomb or capture the target location. You will be very cautious while doing this, checking corners, being as quiet as you can, things you usually won’t do in a Call of Duty game. Very tense moments are frequent when one team gets down to only one player left or the timer is almost out. These add to the realism and charm of Rainbow Six Siege because they provide for a unique experience.

This game definitely benefits from playing with friends. Communication is essential for you and your team to win. Also, as there is in every multiplayer game, there are players who take the game too seriously and will harass players who do not play at the level they expect. There is a cooperative mode in which you can play against enemy artificial intelligence to varying degrees of difficulty. Playing with friends can also make the game more fun in general. The multiplayer occasionally had some issues and there were some minor bugs but they were nothing game breaking (This is a beta so some bugs should be expected). Overall there was much to enjoy in the small sample they gave in the beta. I am excited for Rainbow Six Siege. It has quality multiplayer that stands out from other FPS games and solid gameplay elements. If you enjoy more cautious games like Counter Strike and well done destruction capabilities, check out Rainbow Six Siege when it releases.